Design Philosophy

Our design philosophy is rooted in the concept of 'YI' - a word that carries many layers of meaning in Mandarin - 艺术, 意义, 簡易. These ideas guide how we work - with craft, meaningful and simplicity - creating solutions that are honest and intentional.

We seek to honor time, place and community in every project, preserving the character of each site - be it a historical building or a natural landscape - and allowing it to inform and guide our creative process.

In doing so, we navigate the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, crafting spaces that are quietly expressive, grounded, and deeply connected to their surroundings.

Design Process

At Studio of Yi, our design process begins with curiosity. We let our research phase speak for itself - from receiving the brief to understanding the historical and cultural context through a neutral lens. This foundation allows each project to emerge authentically from its place and purpose.

As we move into development phase, we focus on four key attributes that define the touch of YI - unique, simple, contemporary, and appealing.

Simplicity lies at the heart of our work. We believe that simple functionality, when paried with understated beauty, can create a quiet yet profound visual impact. By embracing the notion of absence, we give the eye space to rest - heightening one's awareness of presence and function.

This intentional simplicity avoid overstimulation, inviting serenity and mindfulness into the spaces we create. Beyond visuals, we aim to evoke emotion from its occupants through their auditory and tactile experiences too - crafting sensory experiences that engage fully with their occupants.

By limiting our material palatte, we achieve consistency and coherence throughout our projects, creating a harmonious dialogue between design, material, and environment.